Former Death in Paradise star Sean Maguire has broken his silence on his sudden exit from the beloved BBC crime drama, candidly describing the decision to kill off his character as "rather silly." The actor, who portrayed Detective Inspector Marlon Collins, has hinted at deeper creative disagreements that led to his character's dramatic demise.
In a revealing new interview, Maguire didn't hold back when discussing the show's choice to write him out after a single series. His character was shockingly murdered in the show's thirteenth series, a move that seemingly took both the actor and viewers by surprise.
A Sudden and Unexpected Departure
Maguire's tenure in Saint Marie was notably brief. He joined the cast at the beginning of series 13, stepping into the sun-soaked shoes of a detective, only for his character to be abruptly killed off. The actor's comments suggest his exit was not part of a long-term plan but a sudden creative shift.
While the exact nature of the behind-the-scenes discussions remains private, Maguire's description of the decision as "silly" points to a potential clash of visions for his character's future on the island.
Fan Reaction and Future Regrets
The actor also touched upon the reaction from the show's dedicated fanbase. Many viewers were reportedly disappointed and confused by the swift disposal of his character, who showed significant promise. Maguire implied that the production might come to regret what he perceives as a premature decision, especially given the positive audience response to DI Marlon Collins.
His departure follows a pattern of significant cast changes for the long-running series, which has seen numerous lead detectives come and go over its successful 13-year run.
The Legacy of a Changing Cast
Death in Paradise is renowned for its rotating door of lead actors, with stars like Ben Miller, Kris Marshall, and Ardal O'Hanlon all previously heading the investigations. Maguire's short-lived stint continues this tradition, albeit in a more violent and final manner than the typical departure.
Despite his early exit, the show continues to be a ratings juggernaut for the BBC, with a fourteenth series already confirmed and a spin-off, Beyond Paradise, also enjoying success.
